THe Notebook

Synopsis
Every so often a love story so captures our hearts that it becomes more than a story-it becomes an experience to remember forever. The Notebook is such a book. It is a celebration of how passion can be ageless and timeless, a tale that moves us to laughter and tears and makes us believe in true love all over again... At thirty-one, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At twenty-nine, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tragedy into triumph, and may even have the power to create a miracle...

The Notebook is an oldie but goodie. I wanted to write a post about it, since I have a story to share about Nicholas. Back in 1996 when the book first came out and Nicholas was not known as an author, I was in the Walden’s Bookstore in the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville Florida. I was at the counter purchasing something when the manager handed me The Notebook. It had just been released the day before and she said I must buy it. She read it a day and LOVED it. I was a little skeptical, but she said, if I didn’t like it, she would refund my money. Now she had me curious. I week later I went back to the bookstore and bought 4 more for some friends who I knew would love it and my mother. My mom and I both fell in love with Nicholas (he is really cute). So, Fall of 1996, the Book Nook (also in Jacksonville, FL), had Nicholas in their store for a book signing. I couldn’t believe it. Of course I went (left work early) and there was 4 (yes 4, as in 1, 2, 3, 4) of there. Like I said, he was not even known yet. We sat right down with him in folding chairs and talked for over an hour. He showed us pictures of his wife and kids (the twins were not born yet). I feel head over heels. He also told us that there was a final chapter to the book that was never published. Over the years, I have purchased Nicholas’ books day one when they are released. Some I like more than others, but I do like them all.

When I moved to Ohio, I was so excited, there is a book store (the best book store EVER) called Books & Co. (www.booksandcompany.com) and they would have Nicholas in twice a year for book signs. It had become so crazy, that my numbers (they give out numbers for the book signings) have been 275, 406, 387, 319 and 5!! I was number 5 when my mom came to town for one of his book signings and sat in line outside the store while I was at work. I brought us dinner when I got off work. We had a blast. The first 20 people got select seating right up front. My mom loved it and was so excited to meet him. Every time I went to a book signing of his, I would remind him that I was one of the 4 that sat at his first book signing in Florida.

So, what can I say about the book – fantastic. If you haven’t read it, pick it up today, you will not be sorry. If you have seen the movie – the book is 100 times better. This will always be my favorite Nicholas Sparks book, but I would recommend them all. As far as books that have been made into movies, they are all great, but the books are much better. My favorite movie is Message in a Bottle (filmed in Maine!) and A Walk to Remember. The soundtrack from Message in a Bottle is still one of my favorite.

Look for other posts since I have a lot of stories regarding Nicholas and his books!